#A lot of people struggle but don’t share it

[3rdvoice]

New letter column

--- Question about visual design... I believe that making stuff that’s fun and exciting to you, the author, is hugely important to staying engaged in a project. That said, there are times when the direction that most benefits the work isn’t the one that you’re most interested in. 1. How do you approach finding that balance self indulgent design/writing/whatever (things that you find personally appealing or enjoyable to draw) and design that’s less "fun" but serves a purpose. 2. When are "sacrifices"-- exchanging fun for variety or cohesion or flow-- worth it? How much do you think about "fun" when designing? --- Question about "secrets"... The story may not really be *about* the world’s secrets, but given your considerable, cross-platform efforts to avoid spoilers, them nonetheless seems important to what you’re trying to accomplish. 1. How important do you think "secrets" are to this kind of story. Would it be the same if you had a lore blog where you answered everyone’s burning questions? 2. How do you cultivate the self-discipline to avoid blabbing about your ideas. Maybe you don’t struggle with this, but I definitely do. C * September 9, 2024

I’m struggling a little with this framing around self-indulgence! I maybe don’t think of it in a parallel way to you. The whole thing is kind of self-indulgent to me… like cohesion, everything feeling of a piece and moving forward to build a big structure, this is self-indulgent, this is my aesthetic, basically. In terms of vis dev at least, I definitely HAVE built my approach around things I like to draw. I made this setting with room to mess around in ways I can’t predict… A lot of “staying engaged” for me, I have discovered after some thousands of pages of comics, is about planning in ways that don’t lock me in too tightly, and allowing the whole process to have some room for exploration throughout.

The avoiding revealing setting-details thing is firstly just a big central philosophical principle I have about this stuff, which maybe isn’t as widely-held as it used to be. Any story is about sequential information revelation… I am designing the story in every moment to reveal information in a particular order, and I don’t want to undercut the integrity and cohesion of the story by revealing things elsewhere out-of-order. This feels like a basic principle people making stories have kind of always had to abide by! You can’t rely on a reader knowing stuff about your story that’s outside of the text in question (I am interested in how habits of writers and readers seem to be shifting around this lately however). So it’s not ABOUT the secrets maybe, or calling them “secrets” puts too fine a point on it, but I am intentional with how things are laid out!

This info-revelation thing is maybe a little complicated by the literary device of the “INVENTED SETTING” that figures so loudly in my comics. The way we do invented settings lately depends on a shared illusion of an objective PLACE, with its own existence outside of the story. The TRICK, as a writer, is I think to see this illusion itself as something that serves the story. The thing LOOKS bigger than the story in order to lend gravity and evocativeness to the story, but it ISN’T bigger than the story. Or if it IS bigger, it’s only bigger in my own personal notes and inside my own personal brain, so in no way that is relevant to readers. I know that I have broken the rules and done word-of-god stuff sometimes in the past because the “real beyond the story” thing is compelling to me too! But I aim for this. The “self-discipline” question I don’t really have an answer for; it is always kind of a struggle but I’m interested in making comics because that is how I want to reveal the stuff, so that is how I reveal the stuff!

If I were to do a lore-blog it would be me on-the-spot making up answers to questions based on the broad setting-principles I’ve established for myself. It would probably be useful for me as a writing exercise, but I’d lock myself into all sorts of decisions I would later regret, or I’d agonize over how seriously to take material “canonized” in the lore blog. It would extend the space of the story beyond the bounds I’ve so far established, and make it flimsy and untenable!

Picking up on some of this thinking in an answer to another letter, will post in a few days.

lettercol archive

rice-boy.com

[borderlinereminders]

Anon was just sending hate, and I know that.

But I do want to offer a quick reassurance to any followers struggling with similar thoughts that I don’t look down on people who haven’t recovered yet. I know it might feel like it if you’re struggling but I don’t think I’m “better” than you.

I share my experiences because I know how hard it can be and I want to share what I’ve learned and offer advice from the perspective of someone who has engaged in a lot of these behaviours I talk about. My hope is that it feels less like you’re being judged to get the advice from someone who has been there.

I feel compassion for those struggling and want to offer hope. That’s all. 💛

[cyberclouddream]

How to Spot: Earth Signs Edition

Taurus Rising

- they’re predictable and don’t stray far from their comfort zone

- have a lot of side hustles that hardly seem to go anywhere

- they cling to family or roots, often talking about their childhood memories or being heavily involved in their local communities

- constantly avoid conflict in conversations, preferring to smooth things over because they don’t like anything that disrupts their sense of comfort

- they won’t settle until they find something or someone who meets their high standards, often picking apart their hobbies or love interests

- they dislike stress and need balance in their routine, often struggling with decisions when things get chaotic

- they need total emotional involvement or it’s not worth their time; they can get possessive or obsessive

- often joke about things like deaths or what’s owed, and they’re surprisingly open-minded about things most people shy away from

- seek education or travel that leads to career advancement or tangible success

- strong desire to connect with others through shared beliefs or values

- might end up in a career that seems out-of-character, or they may rebel against traditional career expectations

- drawn to spiritual or artistic communities where they can get lost in the vibes

- often engage in causes that offer emotional support or a sense of escape from reality

- they have a lot suppressed impatience and frustration, and they can act unpredictably impulsive

- they can have intense dreams or unresolved issues that make them restless

Virgo Rising

- their mannerisms may seem precise or overly controlled, keeping their emotions in check to project an image of calm efficiency

- appear reserved and may come off a bit nit-picky, and they don’t like being noticed for the wrong things

- struggle with consistency in their financial habits, often spending on things that align with their sense of style or fairness

- have an eye for pretty things but may fritter away at money or try to achieve financial harmony that never quite materializes

- have a habit of picking up on things that are hidden or unsaid in interactions

- conversations with them can feel like an interrogation; they don’t waste time on pleasantries and can be be unsettling with their deep, uncomfortable insights

- may have a home full of eclectic items from their travels, or books and educational resources; home feels like a project rather than a sanctuary

- might excel in activities that require discipline and persistence

- they approach romance with a high level of responsibility and practicality

- more focused on what can be accomplished rather than just enjoying the process; their idea of fun involves a to-do list or a strategic plan

- they’ll try out weird hacks or alternative health practices

- they’re not comfortable with the mundane and will challenge the status quo of their workplace

- often attracted to emotional charged but unstable relationships, since they tend to idealize relationships and expect them to fill unrealistic dreams

- like to make hasty decisions in financial or emotional crises, acting before understanding the consequences

- their philosophies and travels are grounded and predictable; they don’t like to venture outside of their comfort zone

- their worldview is conservative and resistant to change, preferring tried-and-true ways

- likely to change jobs or career paths frequently, their career full of shifting interests and projecte

- excellent in careers that require communication or problem-solving

- they’re driven by a need for mental stimulation, and publicly they can be seen as inconsistent and chaotic

- they attach emotionally to their friends, often to the point of dependency

- they want to be an emotional rock in their social circles, which can lead to them being seen as overly involved or controlling

- they crave emotional validation and acknowledgment but only express it in private

- they have a dramatic streak that comes out behind closed doors, since they privately yearn for recognition and attention

Capricorn Rising

- not prone to emotional displays, and are often seen as someone who doesn’t let their guard down easily

- come off aloof or intimidating, focusing more on how they’re perceived than on making friends

- approach to making money isn’t traditional, preferring to use cutting-edge solutions or unexpected sources of income

- may say things that sound deep but aren’t grounded in reality; they can be emotionally manipulative or just very confusing, like navigating a fog

- quick to take action in family issues or home projects, and may have a competitive streak in within family dynamics

- appear slow to engage but reliable once committed in relationships, and they’re idea of fun is meticulously organized and lacking thrill

- like to stay mentally stimulated by constantly changing their daily habits or work strategies

- their health habits are inconsistent, often involving strange diets or exercise fads

- relationship can feel like a second job because they’re constantly trying to fix or manage their partners, and may struggle with setting healthy boundaries

- they approach deep, personal issues with flair and showmanship, often making a spectacle of their struggles

- they can be so critical that they miss the point of their explorative experiences, since they make learning and travel feel like a chore

- their careers are all about looking and feeling nice, since they want to be admired for their poise and ability to network

- they have a strong work ethic and ability to climb professional ladders

- they’re good at using people for personal gain and may come off manipulative

- they form alliances based on strategic value, not genuine affection; their friendships often end up having hidden agendas or powerplays

- they dream big and have hidden fantasies of adventure, which they mask with a serious and restrained exterior; their private life is where they let their true restless spirit out

[stuckinapril]

how are you so in love with yourself...this is not me accusing you of narcissism or smth i genuinely am in awe of how much you seem to like yourself and be in love with yourself and I try so hard to be like you and do that too but i fail every single time...i really really want to know how I could be like this too because i know it is one of the biggest things stopping me from achieving happiness

Not sure if this is a ubiquitous experience, but for me personally affirmations can only go so far. There’s always been a direct correlation between me doing action-based things and my self-esteem increasing, so I try to keep my promises to myself (study at x time, work out at y time, just doing whatever I need to do even if I don’t have the motivation for it). Someone told me that self-esteem comes w doing esteemable things, and I’ve never forgotten that since. What someone thinks about me (including the gargoyle voice in my head lol) won’t faze me if I have tangible accomplishments under my belt I can refer back to on bad days

[guppygiggles]

Trying to decide if I want Avery as a medical doctor or a university professor in my Sea and Sky AU… I’m honestly leaning teacher, but, um. Both have their. Charms. ////

[honeypleasejustkillme]

some things my mental illnesses prevent me from doing sometimes:

• picking up the phone

• leaving the house

• eating healthy

• exercising

• laughing

• getting dressed

• getting a shower

• being alone

sometimes just doing one of these a day is a victory for me, reblog if you relate, and if you do- i’m proud of you for what you did do today <3

[pixelatedraindrops]

Nurse Pixel: I'm going to examine you!

Kazin: ...Eh!?

Usually if friends of mine are not feeling well or are sick I send them my best wishes and they get better in the next few days. (or they tell me their symptoms and I get inspired by it somehow lol)

But with Kazin, I found out she's had bloating and stomachaches for almost a year multiple times a month and hasn’t gotten any better. She didn't seem to know what was wrong with her.

So I did a full examination. (aka asking questions and taking a guess from my knowledge)

My final diagnosis: She has IBS-C

...and yet she probably still won't resist the urges to fill herself with caffeine and junkfood... xD

(your funeral bestie haha i tried)

but yeah I doodled our lil’ sonas for funsies

I gave hers a coffee color scheme ☕

[persephoneflouwers]

-

[vakarians-babe]

paranoia? you mean parannoying.

[caterpillarinacave]

I am having such a not good time

[corset]

Weird as hell belatedly learning both my parents apparently had incredibly prolific and notoriously adventurous sex lives?

[polyamorouspunk]

Oh lol sorry if the afab thing came off as me saying you should change it. I just thought you didnt know it so I was sharing a fun fact, cuz a lot of afabs who dont grow facial hair never know its acually normal to do that, and more common than not growing it :)

It didn’t! It was more of a helpful reminder that my experiences aren’t universal. I didn’t think I needed to change it because like I said I’m talking about my experiences as someone who is AFAB not AFAB people in general. But I do like reminders that my experiences are not universal.

[stonesandswords]

…

[wowreally0102]

how happy can you really be when you’re reading paragraphs upon paragraphs of people against your very existence whenever you log on is my question

[luna-azzurra]

How to Create A Villain

The best villains? They don’t even see themselves as the bad guys. They’re 100% convinced that what they’re doing is right, even if it’s messed up. Maybe they’re trying to “save the world” by doing something super questionable, or they think enforcing strict rules is the only way to keep society in check. They truly believe they’re the hero of their own story, which makes them way more interesting and real.

And Yeah, your villain might want power, but the real question is: Why? Were they humiliated in the past and now want control? Did they grow up powerless and now crave it to avoid being vulnerable again? When you dig into their backstory and show us why they’re doing horrible things, it makes them a lot more relatable—even if they’re totally wrong.

Flat, one-note villains are boring. If your antagonist is going to stick with people, they need depth. Show us what’s going on under the surface. Maybe they lie awake at night, doubting their choices, or they’re still haunted by a massive failure that’s pushing them toward their goal. A villain with personal struggles and vulnerabilities feels way more human and way harder to fully

A great Villain doesn’t just fight the hero, they reflect them. They might have totally different goals, but at their core, they share similar traits, maybe ambition, stubbornness, or a tragic backstory. When the hero looks at the villain, they should see a bit of themselves, and that’s what makes the conflict between them so intense.

When the villain finally goes down, it should feel big. Their defeat shouldn’t just be a fight, it should hit them emotionally. Ideally, their downfall comes from their own flaws, maybe they got too arrogant or made a mistake because of their obsessive goal. The best villain defeats leave the audience feeling a little sad or conflicted, not just happy for the hero’s win.

[soarrenbluejay]

Since I’ve been encouraged to actually share my funny little blorbo ideas here’s another one gang;

Danny moves to Gotham on scholarship for engineering, because the Fentons may be infamous but they’re also insanely brilliant and besides both he and Jazz are showing every sign of embarrassed child of a super genius syndrome, so while the bats are keeping a close eye on him Just In Case, duke is also thinking of introducing him to the Our Parents Are Maniacs But Anyway club maybe after the first month or so.

Gotham does not go for standard dorm living bc of his ‘condition’ and lack of wanting to constantly spook/gaslight a roommate. Besides, living with two small children is a dorm sounds like a disaster in action.

So Danny signs up as a mechanic in Crime Alley, buys himself a teeny weensy lil apartment and Makes It Work. He has been all year after showing up with a de aged Dani and Dan in Amnity after all, and that had gone,,, fine? (The entire town, observing how Danny had been getting increasingly more uncomfortable around his godfather prior to the cloning incident, then just dropped off the face of the earth for several months, the first two weeks stuck in Vlad’s basement enduring horrors and the next Too Many desperately fapping around in the Ghost Zone to get everything handled. All the clones live, all 13 of them. Bunch of them are stuck in the Ghost Zone due to constant need for ectoplasm, but eh, plenty of Zone born never leave, so. One, in the future, apprentices under a green warrior lady on Pandora’s suggestion, another is working in the Eternal Library with Ghost Writer, etc etc. so Danny eventually came back to Amnity with one small child under each arm very obviously traumatized by Somethingn with vlad and doesn’t like being alone with him,,, or touched without warning,, and immediately and passionately proclaims the kids his but struggles to explain how or why,, look some very reasonable assumptions are drawn okay. So the town does the very reasonable thing and does the midwestern equivilant of excommunicating Vlad, except it’s a lot more run him out with pitchforks vibes since he’s the Mayor. Anyway)

He is immediately loved, because while non Gothamites are usually more of a pain than they’re worth, everyone in a while someone even from out of town will just fit in so nicely it’s uncanny for everyone involved. Addams family vibes, it’s referred to as ‘making it home’, just personal hc. He is protective of all the kids playing in the parks and street girls that can totally take care of themselves on their corners but find it HILARIOUS when he just tackles a dick like a wild animal full force no warning. He can fix anything it seems, but refuses to work with weapons. Reasonable enough, people get twitchy about gangs sometimes. Danny mentions being not against Hood or anything, but he’s not going to work for him, littles to take care of and all, but had past experience with ‘Dora and that inheritance mess with her brother he was being a real prick about’ so everyone assumes it’s the equivilant of him having Done His Time and being plenty good for a life time and respects it as long as none of that petty midwestern small town hotshots bring any of that shit over here. And they don’t, because said individuals are on the other side of the mortal veil, so happy day.

See I really love deaged!Dan because he’s just a grumpy lil guy. But he’s also killed millions. He’s so protective of his loved ones, but held back by blending in and also being Smol that it comes off more bitey kitten than anything else. Dani, of course, is a terror, so she fits right in with the crowd.

And sorry gang, but a bunch of kids on their own in Gotham in a poor side of the city just isn’t going to get any attention: that’s just business as usual really. What first gets attention on Danny is not his ‘condition’ or being mistaken for a meta (which he legally probs has an argument for even without the gene bc like these bitches don’t know how metaism works anyway so) or alien (I’m 90% sure he’d be covered by the alien protection act by virtue of being half ‘not from earth’), but because Danny despite best efforts is a Weird Guy.

He grew up in what could only be described as a low level villain level and spent most of high school dealing with smack downs and spiritual invasion. He’s never really processed that any of that is not in fact Normal. Also, he’s capable of making Anything if given the insides of a toaster, blender and alarm clock, and could probably rewrite the circuits of the apartment blindfolded and improve them 1000% even if it ABSOLUTELY would not be up to code.

And sure, things slip every once in a while, bits of spectral ice here, small floating incident there, but everyone just Minds Their Buisness ya know? You really gunna mess with the guy that personally ensured that when your car got flattened by a fight with Killer Croc, you were still able to get in to work the next day by some wizardry? Really?

But Gotham is a city so cursed it’s probably in the exponents countwise, so of course there is a) a flourishing community of magic users and assorted supernatural weirdos and b) a whole lot of shit for Mega Overpowered Ghost King Danny to idly pick at day to day in order to help with his protecting other Obsession. Gotham has plenty of heroes, but by god do they need the spiritual equivilant of an electrician/priest.

Still, Danny, as a baby ancient under a facet of Kronos and KING OF THE DEAD is like, way, way out of their scope to be able to grok, so it mostly just comes off as you know, a family of banshees or something. When asked, Danny very haltingly says he was briefly dead but then revived, which neatly explains his Weird Ass aura and makes it SPECTACULARLY AWKWARD to ask further about. So everyone nods politely, and goes back to their lives after double checking no nefarious bullshit was being pulled.

Then, of course, Vlad finally tracks them down. The whole neighborhood is altered in short order because he doesn’t bother trying to hide being a Rich Bitch or how he’s sneering down his nose at people on the sidewalk. Every connects the dots when Danny paniks. Dani and Dan’s daycare are staffed with some extra, very buff set of hands within the hour. Jerry, Hood’s third in command, personally shows up to the garage Danny is working at to talk things out with him bc he knows he does t like the deal with this stuff due to past unspecified circumstances but well, they guys had already started fucking with him, you see. Stole his tires, spray painted the windows, pickpocketed him blind, and when he retreated tipped off the police to the drugs they’d planted in the glove box.

Danny might not have been born in Gotham, but he was one of them. And the Alley takes care of it own.